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Channel pioneers to star at Port to Pub swim

Les Stewart and Trevor Seaborn have a long history in open-water swimming.Picture: Marie Nirme www.communitypix.com.au d446369

IT is a re-enactment 60 years in the making for Trevor Seaborn and Les Stewart when they take to Leighton Beach for the inaugural Port to Pub swim.

They were among just seven swimmers who competed in the first amateur race to Rottnest Island in the 1950s, Seaborn winning the race, with Stewart not far behind in third.

In March, 80-year-old Stewart will re-enact the personal achievement and try to become the oldest person to swim the channel as he does so, while his long-time friend will kick him off with the starters gun.

They joined event organisers and other competitors in launching the inaugural event at Leighton Beach recently.

Port to Pub committee member Ceinwen Roberts said the contribution both men had made to open-water swimming in WA was immeasurable, so it was apt they played a significant role in this event.

“The Port to Pub swim honours the original channel crossing and its original route of 20km, while also introducing an extended 25km event, which is likely to attract swimmers and swimming opportunities on the national and international circuit,” she said.

“The race is all about giving more people more access to this iconic swim and meeting the increasing demand for open-water swimming and ultra-challenging sporting events in WA.

“The introduction of a team of six will enable all levels of swimmers to participate.”

The swim will follow the route made in 1956 from Leighton Beach to Rottnest Island.